Today in MJJ HIStory

1983 - Michael pays tribute to comic hero, Charles Chaplin, on the latter’s birthday, April 16, several photos of Jackson and pantomime actor, Samir Kamoun, having been published with them dressed as Chaplin and performing their own tribute to the late actor and director. Charles Spencer Chaplin, who died on Christmas Day in 1977, has been a significant professional and personal influence on Jackson since his childhood and, as he puts it:
"This is in memory of a great man who has touched the hearts of the world with his art of making people laugh and cry. You will always be in my heart. I love you, Charlie Chaplin."
Filed under  //   1983  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1983 - Billie Jean and Beat It were already on heavy MTV rotation when Michael agreed to appear alongside his brothers for Motown’s 25th anniversary television special, but only on condition that he also be allowed to perform Billie Jean in a solo spot.

Produced by Suzanne DePasse – who had been present at the Jackson Five’s audition nearly fifteen years earlier – Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever was taped at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on March 25, 1983 and broadcast nearly two months later on May 16th.

After Michael and his brothers – including Jermaine – performed a medley of their Motown hits, they left the stage while he grabbed a fedora hat while the opening notes to Billie Jean brought the crowd to its feet. In what would become his defining moment in show business, he performed his “moonwalk” dance for the first time during the song’s guitar break before the final chorus.

Filed under  //   1983  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1983 - These two Billboard Awards represent the dynamic talents of American music royalty. On March 5, 1983 Michael Jackson reached the top of the Billboard music charts with the single "Billie Jean." This black lacquered wooden plaque illustrates the artists position at number one amongst the top 100 recordings. In 1986, Michael's sister Janet would make waves of her own. On March 22, she would hit the number one position on Billboards "Hot Black Singles" chart with her song "What Have You Done For Me Lately." Her achievement is featured on a black lacquered wooden plaque amongst the top 100 recordings. Excellent condition. Michael's Award: 20 x 17, Janet's Award: 21 x 16
Filed under  //   1983  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1979 – The Jacksons perform their Destiny Tour at Carre Theater in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

1983 - Beat It enters the Pop Singles Chart.

Michael is on the Record Mirror magazine [UK]

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1984 - Michael attends the premiere of the two Jacksons Pepsi commercials at Pepsi Bottlers Convention at Lincoln Center in New York City.

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1993 - Michael is on Entertainment Weekly.

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1997 - At the 39th Grammy Awards edition held at Madison Square Garden in New York City, "Earth Song" is nominated for the "Best Short Form Music Video"

2002 - Michael Jackson's Neverland Entertainment invested $ 15 million - $ 20 million in Mark Damon's production and distribution company MDP Worldwide, making Michael and his new producing partner Raju Patel major shareholders in the company.

Michael Jackson showed up along with longtime friend Elizabeth Taylor and "Rush Hour" helmer Brett Ratner to tout the deal. Until his arrival, it was not clear whether Michael Jackson would show up at the event, but suddenly he appeared from a nearby dining room and entered the dinner tent to a standing ovation, arm in arm with Elizabeth Taylor.

After making it to their thronelike chairs onstage, Michael Jackson took to the microphone and explained his decision to invest in MDP and enter the independant film business. "I dream great dreams," Michael Jackson said.

"Everything I've achieved started with a dream, and of all the dreams, this is the one I am most passionate about. The painter paints, the sculptor sculpts, but they just capture a glimpse of life - of the subject. And film, this medium, you live with the protagonist, you suffer with the protagonist, you laugh with the protagonist, you despair with the protagonist. It's the most artistic, influential medium of all. I am very proud of what we're doing, and I promise you wonderful and fantastical things to come."

After his onstage appearance, the notoriously shy King of Pop elaborated in an interview about his plans for Neverland Pictures. He said he will be involved in all aspects of the company, such as reading scripts, plucking talent and directing. "I have a lot to express in film," Michael Jackson said, revealing that his favorite movie is "To Kill a Mockingbird." "I'll be doing the whole thing, behind and in front [of the camera]. I love it."

Michael Jackson's Neverland Entertainment invest $ 15 million - $ 20 million in Mark Damon's production and distribution company, MDP Worldwide, making Jackson and his new producing partner, Raju Patel, major shareholders in the company. Michael Jackson appears along with longtime friend, Elizabeth Taylor, and "Rush Hour" helmer, Brett Ratner to tout the deal. The entertainer explains his decision to invest in MDP and enter the independant film business. "I dream great dreams," says Jackson. "Everything I've achieved started with a dream, and of all the dreams, this is the one I am most passionate about. The painter paints, the sculptor sculpts, but they just capture a glimpse of life - of the subject. And film, this medium, you live with the protagonist, you suffer with the protagonist, you laugh with the protagonist, you despair with the protagonist. It's the most artistic, influential medium of all. I am very proud of what we're doing, and I promise you wonderful and fantastical things to come."

Filed under  //   1979   1983   1984   1993   1997   2002  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1979 – The Jacksons perform their Destiny Tour in Bournemouth, UK.

1983 - Jane Fonda presents Michael with a Platinum certification for "Thriller" at the CBS Press conference.

1986 - Songwriters Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie are honored with the "Best Song of the Year" award for "We Are The World", the relief single they wrote for the "USA For Africa" project in 1985, at the 28th Grammy Awards from Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California.

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The song is also voted as the "Record of the Year ", an award accepted by producer Quincy Jones, joined on stage by Jackson, Lionel Richie, Stevie Wonder and Dionne Warwick.

Michael and Lionel accepted the award for the Song of the Year together. On accepting the award he makes a brief speech
Michael stepped to the podium, dressed in black uniform jacket and red shirt, with several gold pins:

"First, I’d like to thank God, and I’d like to say thank you for choosing Lionel and myself to write "We Are The World". I thank Quincy Jones, who was the greatest producer to me. And I also like to say, when you leave here, remember the children. Thank you."
At an ensuing press conference, he is asked about how he creates songs and to comment a little on ‘We Are The World”.
“That’s one of the hardest questions to answer, because it’s a – it just comes, songs just kinda create themselves, so I don’t wanna dissect it really, just I let it happen. […] I wanted something that the whole world could sing.”
After the speech, Michael Jackson exits the stage happily and tightly holding mentour and friend Stevie Wonder's hand. The other honors for "We Are The World" are the "Best Pop Performance By Duo or Group" and "Best Short Form Video".

1998 - Michael attends the investiture ceremony of then South Korean President, Kim Dae-jung, one of the century’s astute fighters for democracy and 2000 recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize.

He stays in Seoul, South Korea from February 20 to February 27. Kevin Sullivan, reporter of Washington Post, who met with the artist at the event, answers that the latter’s purpose for his being present at the event was because “[Jackson] praised Kim Dae-jung's commitment to children, and he said he was considering a concert to benefit starving children in North Korea and around the world. (Jackson did headline two huge concerts in June 1999, one in Seoul and one in Munich, that raised several million dollars for children's charities.)” A day after the artist’s sudden demise, former South Korean president, Kim Dae-jung, who, less than two months later will also pass on due to a multiple organ dysfunction, says “the world has lost a hero… and Korea also lost a beloved friend, who showed continued interest and supported unification of Korean peninsula. Korean people are sad.”

2002 - It was announced that Michael Jackson's Neverland Entertainment was investing about $20 million into MDP Worldwide Entertainment, Inc. Mark Damon, chief executive of MDP, stated that Jackson would be a producer, actor and director for Neverland Pictures.

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Michael Jackson’s Neverland Entertainment has invested $15 million-$20 million in Mark Damon’s production and distribution company MDP Worldwide, making Jackson and his new producing partner Raju Patel major shareholders in the company.

As part of the deal, MDP will operate a new division, Neverland Pictures, headed by Jackson and Patel along with key executive Lawrence Mortoff.

The company plans to produce a range of projects with a focus on family films and reimaginations of classics, some of which might be directed by and/or star Jackson.

The venture was announced Sunday night during a private dinner reception at Damon’s hillside Benedict Canyon home, attended by 250 guests. Making a rare appearance, Jackson showed up along with longtime friend Elizabeth Taylor and “Rush Hour” director Brett Ratner to tout the deal.

Until his arrival, it was not clear whether Jackson would show up at the event, but suddenly he appeared from a nearby dining room and entered the dinner tent to a standing ovation, arm in arm with Taylor. After making it to their thronelike chairs onstage, Jackson took to the microphone and explained his decision to invest in MDP and enter the indie film business.

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“I dream great dreams,” Jackson said.

“Everything I’ve achieved started with a dream, and of all the dreams, this is the one I am most passionate about.

The painter paints, the sculptor sculpts, but they just capture a glimpse of life – of the subject.

And film, this medium, you live with the protagonist, you suffer with the protagonist, you laugh with the protagonist, you despair with the protagonist. It’s the most artistic, influential medium of all.

I am very proud of what we’re doing, and I promise you wonderful and fantastical things to come.”

After his onstage appearance, the notoriously shy King of Pop elaborated in an interview about his plans for Neverland Pictures.

He said he will be involved in all aspects of the company, such as reading scripts, plucking talent and directing.

“I have a lot to express in film,” Jackson said, revealing that his favorite movie is “To Kill a Mockingbird.” “I’ll be doing the whole thing, behind and in front [of the camera]. I love it.”

Another movie Jackson is fond of is 1994’s “The Jungle Book,” which Patel produced and Damon executive produced, marking the duo’s first collaboration.

After seeing the movie, Jackson called Patel, who also produced “The Adventures of Pinocchio” and “The Second Jungle Book: Mowgli & Baloo,” to compliment him on his work, and the two became friends.

That brought Jackson and Patel to Damon’s MDP. Patel said he and Jackson chose to invest in MDP and launch Neverland under their banner to gain creative freedom outside the studio system. “Michael wants control, and that’s hard to get at a studio level,” he said. “He wants to be able to go straight from an idea into the marketing.”

Neverland already has a slate of projects, with three of them expected to be announced shortly. Whether any of those include Jackson-directed projects is unclear, but if he’s not willing to hop behind the camera so soon, his close friend Taylor is.

“I wanted to direct for quite a while,” Taylor said in an interview. “I’ve observed and picked up so much from other directors and other actors and learned just by osmosis. I’d like to take the knowledge I’ve learned from them and have a go at it.”

Jackson has had several previous forays into film production, more notable for their ambitious announcements than their actual output: in 1991, he signed a nonexclusive first-look deal with Columbia Pictures through his Nation Films banner.

In 1993, he announced a second feature film company, Michael Jackson Productions Inc., promising to deliver movies with positive and uplifting themes.

Filed under  //   1979   1983   1986   1998   2002  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1972 - Michael Jackson's cover version of "Rockin' Robin" was released as the second single from his 1972 first solo album titled Got to Be There.

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The song hadn't originally been scheduled as a single, and it was only after radio djs started playing the song from Michael's first LP, Got to Be There, that Motown decided to release it as the second single, instead of of "I Wanna Be Where You Are." The djs who has originally played the album cut in the first place probably chose it because it was a familiar song to them, having first been released as a single back by Bobby Day back in 1958, the year Michael was born. Also on the B-side was "Love Is Here and Now You're Gone", another cover from The Supremes' #1 smash.

It was the biggest hit from the album, peaking at number two on the Hot 100 and R&B charts.

1979 – The Jacksons perform their Destiny Tour in Manchester, UK.

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Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground) hits the Billboard Pop singles chart peaking at #7 and remains on the charts for 22 weeks.

Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground) co-written by Michael and Randy, was released as the second single from the Jacksons 12th studio album, Destiny, and became a signature tune of the disco age. It was the most successful single from Destiny, which helped to re-established them as a top-selling group. This infectious dance tune peaked at #3 on the black singles chart.

Michael, in a rare interview for a radio program, recalled writing the song with Randy. "Randy was going around the house humming a tune and I liked it. I asked him what it was and he said, 'It's nothing.' I said, 'No, it's something.'" Michael went on to write the melody and lyrics for "Shake Tour Body". "I don't know where it came from. God, I say."
1983 - Michael is on the cover of Rolling Stone Magazine, with the main article Michael Jackson Life As a Man, who they dub as 'The Prince of Pop' in an interview by Gerri Hirchey.

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1992 - Michael Jackson is one the cover of Jet magazine. The main article in three pages is entitled:”Michael Jackson`s new video “Remember The Time” when blacks were kings and queens.

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1997 - Michael Jackson is on Tele Loisirs Magazine, from France. The main article is entitled: "Michael Jackson nouveau drame divorce juste avant la naissance de son enfant".

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Filed under  //   1972   1979   1983   1992   1997  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1968 - The Jackson Five perform at the Apollo Theater's legendary Amateur Night.

Joseph in a visit to New York, secure the group their most daunting gig to date, an appearance at the Apollo Theater's legendary Amateur Night as the opening act for Dave Prater (of Sam & Dave). As seasoned performers, the Jackson Five had little to fear and their worries proved unfounded. Not only did they win the ‘Superdogs Final’, they also earned a rare standing ovation from a notoriously fickle audience.

1979 – The Jacksons perform their Destiny Tour in Geneva, Switzerland.

1983 - The short film for “Beat It” is paid for and conceptualised by Michael Jackson himself, directed by Bob Giraldi and co-choreographed by Michael Jackson and Michael Peters, and takes place on Los Angeles Skid Row around February 14, 1983.

Jackson asks Giraldi to come up with a concept for the "Beat It" video because of the singer liking a commercial Giraldi has directed for WLS-TV in Chicago, which it features a married couple of two elderly blind people who, instead of running from a run-down neighborhood of minorities, which all the other white folks had fled from, choose to stay and throw a block party for all the young kids in the area. The cast for ‘Beat It’ includes 80 members of two real rival street gangs from L.A., Crips and Bloods - the entertainer’s idea - the promo for the video costing Jackson an estimated $140,000 or $50,000, after CBS refusing to finance it. “Beat It” sees the unification of two gangs through the power of music, message and dance. The heavily repeated chorus goes

“Beat it, beat it,
No one wants to be defeated.
Showing how funky, strong is your fight,
It doesn’t matter who’s wrong or right”
draw up an emblematic anthem against violence and taking chance on it as a demonstration for manhood. Allmusic's Stephen Thomas Erlewine states that the song is both "tough" and "scared". In his room, Jackson contemplates the violence breaking outside, him dancing his way through the diner and pool room of a hotel (presumably), towards the gang conflict, where he starts dancing and the gang members joining him. The single reaches to the number-1 chart position a week after its release and Michael Jackson becomes the first black artist to have a number-one album and single simultaneously in the United States and the United Kingdom. The single will be certified gold, a few months after its release, for shipments of at least one million units. In 1989, the standard format single will become re-certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America, based on the revised sales level of one million units for platinum singles. The total number of digital sales in the United States, as from September 2010, amounts to at 1,649,000.

1985 - Michael helps with the delivery of Valentino, a baby deer born to his pet deer, Prince and Princess at Hayvenhurst in Encino.

1989 - Michael and his manager Frank Dileo, were parted company.

No real reason was given for the abrupt split, leaving the media to speculate about possible causes, suggesting that Dileo was trying to be bigger than Michael, that his managing technique was too flamboyant and that he tried to promote him as a wacky person.

Dileo managed Michael's career from March 20, 1984 to February 14, 1989.

1996 - Veja magazine, Brazil

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2001 - A special evening at New York City's Carnegie Hall for Michael Jackson, Rabbi Shmuley Boteach, Mother Love, Loveline's Dr. Drew Pinsky, Dr. Stanley Greenspan, publisher Judith Regan, attorney Johnnie Cochran, Temptation Island host Mark L. Walberg as well as for fans who traveled to New York City from all over the world:

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A debate entitled "Love, Work & Parenting: Can You Be a Success in the Bedroom and the Boardroom?" to introduce the newly founded charity of Jackson and Boteach "Heal The Kids".

From Rabbi Shmuley Boteach's introduction:

"This initiative, 'Heal The Kids', is designed to save us from the worst kind of hell: a life where you are surrounded by people and you're still totally alone; a life where your children don't talk to you about meaning, but rather about your being a pay station for PlayStation; a life where the TV always blared, but your soul was never bared; a life where shopping at Barney's came before playing with your children and their Barneys...a life where surfing the Internet for content came before searching hearts for meaning."

"Who would've believed one day we'd hear of parents bored of their children turning on fantasy television - 'Star Wars', 'The Wizard of Oz'? Have you ever heard of escaping your children's reality by escaping into someone else's reality?"

"We're talking about you having deprived them of every child's birthright: the right to feel loved without deserving it, to feel admired without earning it."


Rabbi Shmuley Boteach, who co-founded "Heal The Kids" with Jackson last year, introduced Jackson, saying that "the real Michael Jackson isn't famous for the moonwalk, he's famous for... his love for children."

From Michael Jackson's introduction:

"Tonight, we're here in the world's most famous concert hall to hear an entirely different kind of music, a loftier melody.... This music I speak of is...more harmonious than a thousand voices joined in a hymn, and more powerful than all the world's percussive instruments combined....

That sound is the sweet sound of love. That sound has become a forgotten refrain. Instead of dinner conversations, there is the noise of video games. Instead of regular conversations between parents and children about drugs or violence, there is the deafening sound of silence."

"Who would have believed that the sound of children at their playgrounds would be replaced by the sound of automatic machine-gun fire? That the sound of little girls skipping rope would be overshadowed by the frantic screams of little children dodging bullets? Yet, instead of loving our children more, we install metal detectors in our schools."

"With two children of my own, I know what it means to balance the demands of family and career - and let's not even talk about finding a date for myself. Rabbi Shmuley keeps telling me he'll find me the perfect woman. My response is, 'As long as she's not a journalist.' "

Mother Love, who openly wept during Jackson's speech, spoke extensively about her 28 years of marriage, while Regan expounded on the difficulties of single motherhood.

The event ended with a short question-and-answer session, followed by brief closing words from Jackson, who explained he would give more details about love and family at the next "Heal The Kids" event that will take place at Oxford University in Great Britain.

He promised a speech "certain to surprise you".

Launched about the same time is the official website for Michael Jackson's "Heal The World Foundation". Be informed about upcoming events, Heal The Kids, Teach The World by visiting this great site!

Michael Jackson’s Heal The World Foundation and The Seminar Center present a Valentine’s Day Seminar at Carnegie Hall in New York City. The event, organized by Jackson and Rabbi Shmuley Boteach, promotes family love and is the first public event by the "Heal the Kids" initiative, a HTW campaign aiming to educate the occupied adults in favor of reprioritizing their children. Jackson introduces his guests, a panel of children's experts and celebrities - who hold discourses on balancing romantic love, family commitment and professional dedication - and holds a speech pertaining to the event’s theme (read the speech here). The entertainer displays his lingering concern towards the illegal and augmentative child access to machine guns, leading to fire attacks in educational institutions, as a result to a faulty parenthood, and speaks on the importance of parents raising their children responsibly. Prior to the event, the entertainer invites his fans via a letter, to participate at the inaugural evening: "This is a serious and entertaining event and I have asked some of the top experts on love and parenting to come and talk to you", moreover, specifying that the seminar’s proceeds will benefit "Heal The Kids"

Filed under  //   1968   1979   1983   1985   1989   1996   2001  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1972 – The Jackson 5ive concert at Saint Louis, Kiel Auditorium.

1979 - The Jacksons perform a concert in Wakefield, UK on Destiny tour.

1983 - Billie Jean topped Billboard RnB Chart.

1984 - Michael Jackson`s Thriller is for three weeks on top of Number-one albums chart in Australia.

1996 - Michael Jackson continues the filming of his video "They Don't Care About Us" in Rio de Janeiro, with a view of the city as background.

2008 - The Thriller 25th Anniversary Special Edition is released in the US.

Filed under  //   1972   1979   1983   1984   1996   2008  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1977 - The Jacksons perform "Enjoy Yourself" and "Dreamer" on Mike In Hollywood '77.

1979 - The Jacksons perform a concert at The Rainbow in London, UK on Destiny tour.

1983 - Michael attends The British Record Industry Awards in the Grosvenor House Hotel, London (UK) to collect an award on behalf of Barbara Streisand. Michael is pictured with Paul McCartney and his late wife Linda.

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Michael & Paul Mac Cartney are on the cover of Rolling Stone Magazine.


1984 - Michael attends the Tap Dance Kid musical at the Broadhurst Theatre in NYC with Sean Lennon.

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1993 - Jet magazine featured Michael on their cover with the story: Michael Jackson gives First Live Interview to Oprah Winfrey.
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As the monthlong celebration gets underway during the Black HIStory month, the musical monarch will establish an precedent. He will give the first live interview to Oprah Winfrey. The prime time special, produced by Winfrey's Harpo Productions, Inc., will air Wednesday, Feb. 10 (9:30-11:00 p.m. ET) on the ABC Television Network in the U.S. and in countries around the world. Oprah's 90-minute interview with Michael, originating from his ranch in Santa Ynez, CA., will provide viewers a rare glimpse into this private and often mysterious musical master's intriguing life.

"Michael Jackson has always been at the top of my list of people I am most interested in interviewing," Oprah allowed. "The excitement of this interview being live and unedited is certainly a special event for me and for all of Michael's fans." she adds.

Rather than tape the interview and release it on the scheduled air date, the talk show host and Michael agreed to an unprecedented live show. The format will allow the megastar to talk about his career, lifestyle and family, and express his innermost feelings.

2006 - Michael, Anton, Grace & the kids leave Sorrento and go to Roma.
Filed under  //   1977   1979   1983   1984   1993   2006  

Today in MJJ HIStory

1970 - I Want You Back the Jackson 5ive's first single with Motown from their debut album, Diana Ross Presents the Jackson 5ive, was released in late 1969 and the week of January 31, 1970, become their fist number one hit single on Billboard's pop singles chart, where it spent one week. The single also went to number one on Billboard's Black singles chart. And this was only the beginning.

The Jackson 5ive perform I Want You Back on Andy Williams Show

1971 - Goin' Back To Indiana

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For the first time since they moved to California, the Jackson 5ive returned to their hometown, Gary. They played two benefit concerts for the re-election campaign for Mayor Richard Hatcher. In return, January 31, 1971, was declared "Jackson Five Day" in Gary. A ceremony was held in front of the family's old home to officially rename their street from Jackson Street to Jackson Five Street.

They came via helicopter and landed in the football field at West Side High School, where their concerts were to be held.

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As part of homecoming, a plaque was placed at the University of Indiana stating that the Jackson 5ive gave "Hope to the Young". Their Congressman then presented them with the flag from the top of the State Capital.

At the City Hall, Mayor Hatcher presented Mr. Jackson and each of the J5 individual "keys to the city" of Gary. After the ceremonies at city Hall, the honorary denizens of Gary-namely the Jackson 5-rushed back to West Side High School, where they performed two concerts before a capacity crowd of more than 15,000 home town fans.

These award presentations and performances were filmed and later used in their TV special, Goin' Back to Indiana.

1976 - Michael Jackson attends the American Music Awards with Katherine, Janet, Randy & LaToya.

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1977 - Michael Jackson attends the American Music Awards at Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, Santa Monica, California, along with Janet, Fred "Rerun" Berry and Lola Falana. The Jacksons perform Good Times at the American Music Awards.

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1983 - Michael Jackson's "Thriller" was certified Gold and Platinum by the RIAA.

1993 - Michael performs a medley of Jam, Billie Jean, Black Or White and Heal The World at the Superbowl Halftime Show in the Rose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena (California) before an audience of 100,000 in the stadium and 133.4 millions on TV.

January 31, 1993 was Super Bowl Sunday. The Dallas Cowboys faced the Buffalo Bills for Super Bowl XXVII, but more important was halftime. The press had been barred from rehearsals, so no preview of the spectacular was included in any of the pre-game coverage. Expectations were high, and in fact the other networks didn't counter with any real competition for the Super Bowl audience. The 12-ton stage was assembled in under four minutes.

When the time finally came, a giant video screen counted down the last ten seconds and it was announced, "Ladies and gentlemen, Radio City Music Hall Productions and the National Football League are proud to preset an unprecedented Super Bowl spectacular starring Michael Jackson."

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Crowds of people gathered around the stage now set up on the middle of the field at the Rose Bowl. A giant video screen in the corner shows Michael dancing. There's an explosion and smoke rises from the top of the screen as Michael appears, dancing now on top of the screen. Just few seconds later the video screen at the opposite side of the field shows Michael again. And again he appears on top of the screen. Following this, fireworks go off at center stage and Michael jumps from beneath the stage and stands motionless amidst the fireworks, smoke, and cheers from the 102,000 fans packed into the stadium. Dressed in black with gold bands across his chest, his right arm in a brace, and wearing sunglasses, he stands virtually motionless for over one minute before turning his head and slowly removing the glasses. More fireworks go off and dancers join Michael on stage for a very short version of "Jam".

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He removes his jacket, having a white shirt and t-shirt on underneath. He reaches down for a black fedora that has been sitting on the edge of the stage, places it on his head and begins pumping his hips to "Billie Jean" adding a crotch grab or two to his choreography from Motown 25, complete with the requisite moonwalk.

During the crowd's wild response to "Billie Jean", Michael reaches behind his head and undoes his ponytail, letting his hair down for "Black or White". Smoke and wind machines add great effects to the performance. More fireworks are set off at the song's conclusion.

While it is announced that, "Ladies and gentlemen, the children of Los Angeles have created their own personal drawings as a gift to the children of the world," Michael puts his hair back into a ponytail and is handed a long black wand. As he points the wand at the crowd, all the people in the stadium, section by section, hold up cards which together with the cards of the rest of the people seated in that same section make up a youngster's drawing of a child. Then Michael addressed the crowd, his voice sounding unusually deep:

Today we stand together all around the world joined in a common purpose, to remake the planet into a planet of joy and understanding and goodness. No one should have to suffer, especially the children. This time we must succeed. This is for the children of the world.
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Thousands of young people lined the stage as Michael sang "Heal the World" and a huge inflatable globe rose from the center of the stage.

More fireworks ended the truly spectacular, and certainly unforgettable, halftime extravaganza.

With this, Michael made history again: Michael's Super Bowl half-time spectacular performance, televised live on TV, broke a record with the highest-ever viewership of 133.4 million viewers, unbroken up to today! A distinction, which also earned him an entry in the Guinness Book of World Records.

NBC recognized that Michael was pivotal in making the game the biggest TV attraction in Super Bowl history. Dick Ebersol, NBC Sports President, said of Michael's performance, "He was better than our wildest dreams... He's an enormous name with crossover appeal from kids to grandparents, an enormous curiosity even for those for whom he is not star." Some speculated that to top this halftime performance NBC would need to have Elvis Presley perform the next year!

2010 - Michael Jackson is honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 52nd Grammy Awards, held at the Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA.

Lionel Richie presents the Michael Jackson's Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award to Prince & Paris who give a short and emotional speech.

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